Dr. Tzu-Ching, what inspired you to become a licensed acupuncturist in New Jersey?

-My inspiration to become an acupuncturist began with my own healing journey. At 20 years old, I developed severe, unexplained body pain and skin problems that left me unable to attend classes or live a normal life. Despite extensive medical testing, no clear diagnosis was found, and the treatments offered were only chemotherapy and pain medication. Everything changed when a friend introduced me to a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) physician. Through Chinese herbal medicine, I gradually recovered and regained not only my health, but also quality of life. This experience planted the seed of my belief in TCM. I first became a registered nurse and worked in emergency department and operating room settings, including at NYU Langone. While I witnessed the life-saving power of modern medicine, I also saw many patients return for repeated procedures because the underlying causes of their conditions had not been addressed. At the same time, my lifelong passion for music led me to pursue a master's degree in Music Therapy in the United States, believing that healing could also occur through music, creativity, compassion, and human connection.

These experiences ultimately led me back to the path that first inspired me. I enrolled at Pacific College of Health and Science to study TCM while continuing to work in the operating room. I was captivated by its 2,500-year philosophy of treating the whole person rather than simply managing disease. That passion has continued to grow, leading me to complete my Doctorate in Acupuncture.

What do you love most about the job?  

-What I love most about being an acupuncturist is witnessing the moments when a patient's life begins to change. It's hearing someone say, “Yeah, I got my period back!!!” or "I haven't felt this relaxed in years," or seeing a patient who arrived in pain leave smiling. It's when someone who couldn't sleep finally gets a restful night, someone with no appetite feels hungry again, someone with hot flashes doesn’t feel the wave coming unpredictably, or someone carrying heartbreak finds a moment of peace after treatment. One of the greatest compliments I've ever received was from a 70-year-old patient who wrote that if he had met me when he was 14, he might never have turned to drugs in search of a “euphoric, blissful sense of relaxation”. Moments like these remind me that acupuncture is about more than relieving symptoms—it's about helping people reconnect with themselves and rediscover hope.

What type of patients do you enjoy treating, get excited to treat?

-I enjoy treating all kinds of patients because every person has a unique story and different healing needs. What excites me most is creating a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. I especially enjoy working with people who are genuinely interested in their healing journey and are open to improving their overall health and well-being. Watching patients reconnect with their bodies, regain balance, and experience meaningful changes in their daily lives is the most rewarding part of my work.

How do you approach achieving health goals with your patients?

-I believe healing is a partnership. I listen to each patient's unique needs and create a personalized treatment plan that addresses both the root cause and the symptoms. Along with Acupuncture, Cupping, Gua-Sha, Moxibustion, and Tui-Na, I encourage simple practices such as nutrition, Qigong, Tai-Chi, meditation, and mindful self-care/Acupoints to support lasting health and well-being.

What do you like to do in your free time (personal interests etc.)

-In my free time, I enjoy practicing Qigong, Tai-Chi, Yoga, and Meditation—they're part of my daily routine, like charging the phone daily. I also love traveling, hiking, singing karaoke with friends, playing guitar, reading martial arts novels, and watching dramas.